WASHINGTON, United States, June 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday it's prepared to make "immediate disbursement" of more than $800 million to the Ivory Coast as part of several aid programs.

The fund's executive board reviewed and approved three programs, allowing Abidjan to borrow approximately $832.8 million.

The lender in a statement commended Ivory Coast authorities for "sustained reform efforts" that have "helped restore macroeconomic stability."

For nearly 15 years, the country has posted strong growth rates -- among the strongest in the region -- and has regained stability after a decade of strife in the early 2000s.

The Washington-based banking organization expects growth to slow to 6 percent in 2026, down from 6.5 percent in 2025, reflecting economic repercussions of the Middle East war and heightened global uncertainty.

"Inflation, which declined to near zero in 2025, has begun to rebound and is projected to average 3.3 percent in 2026, driven by higher food and energy prices," the IMF said in a statement.